If you’re at all familiar with Greek mythology you’ll know that Odysseus was husband to the loyal Penelope and son of majestic Laërtes and Anticlea. A man whose perseverance, wit, and bravery took him on a ten year journey home after the epic Trojan War. The tales from his journey have inspired travelers for thousands of years, and though few come close to recreating it, we humbly admit to coming pretty close with our odyssey-inspired journey through Peru’s most outstanding destinations. Swapping the sirens and cyclops for Class Adventure Travel Specialists really helps with the whole ten years part, so you rest assured that your twenty day journey will be spent traveling through colonial history of Lima, to the imposing dunes of Ica, through the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca, and finally, after seeing the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, to the middle of mystifying Peruvian Amazon. Need we say more? For magic, mystery, adventure, and lore, come along with us to the heart of the Peruvian Odyssey.
Ica’s towering dunes.
♦ Lima
Lima’s dry air is thick with effortless cool. Steeped in the beauty of colonial history, dressed in a long, dramatic coastline, and buzzing with one of the world’s best culinary lineups, it’s an enchanting whirlwind of a destination perfect for kicking off your Peruvian Odyssey. Read more about exploring the culinary world of Lima…
Dazzling Lima at sunset.
♦ Ica, Huacachina & The Nazca Lines
Tucked into Ica’s stark foothills, Huacachina is an oasis and agricultural anomaly with bright waters. The lifeline of this patch of desert gives way for incredibly colored crops like asparagus, cotton and – most importantly – grapes for succulent Chilean wine and Pisco, to flourish in the middle of sand and heat. Read more about Ica, Huacachina, and the Nazca Lines…
The unbelievable Nazca lines.
♦ Arequipa
Peru’s second-largest city lives under the sleepy shadow of the snowy El Misti Volcano and the international attention given to Cusco and Machu Picchu. But through it’s past earthquakes and relatively light tourist traffic, the city dazzles. Read more about Arequipa…
The drive into Arequipa.
♦ Colca Canyon
Continue on your odyssey with the scenic drive from Arequipa to the Colca Canyon. The southern river canyon boasts some of the best trekking, rafting, and wildlife in the world, because of the canyon’s unbelievable depth and overhead Andean condor. Read more about traveling to the Colca Canyon…
Colca Canyon, Peru.
♦ Lake Titicaca
An old Andean belief says that Lake Titicaca was the birthplace of the sun, and it’s easy to see why the sparkling blue lake decorated and it’s intricate ancient history would inspire such a humbling legend. Read more about traveling to Lake Titicaca…
Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca.
♦ Cusco
From Lake Titicaca, board a spectacular train ride from a pre-Inca universe, through verdant valleys and white-tipped peaks of the Altiplano, finally to one of South America’s most talked about destinations. Read more about spending time in Cusco….
Cusco’s impressive colors.
♦ Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
A stone’s throw beyond Cusco’s wonder is the Andean Sacred Valley, a riveting countryside where, as we’ve said before, “the Inca past meets Peru’s present.” Filled with trails, tiny villages, and arguably South America’s most important landmark – Machu Picchu, it’s an unmissable stop on your journey. Read more about traveling through the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu…
Morning light at Machu Picchu.
♦ Peruvian Amazon
End your epic tale in the tranquility of the Peruvian Amazon. A stay at a locally owned, sustainably run, eco-lodge will allow you the opportunity to explore what many refer to as the “lungs of the Earth,” – from the inside out. Spot endangered wildlife while you’re surrounded by the dense jungle and distant calls, and take advantage of the opportunity to speak with some of the world’s remaining isolated populations.The Amazonian indigenous communities are often more than happy and willing to explain the biodiversity, complicated history, and immense value of the Peruvian Amazon to those who venture towards it.
Floating plants in the Peruvian Amazon.
Thanks for visiting our Central & South America Travel Blog! Feel free to contact one of our Travel Specialists via email, phone or chat to plan your perfect Peruvian Odyssey.
